Q: What are my rights as an electric customer?

A: You now have the right to choose an electric provider, which includes the right to be served by the Retail Electric Provider affiliated with your current electric utility. No matter what you choose, the PUCT will continue to protect your rights, which are listed below. If you feel that your rights have been violated, call the PUC's toll-free Customer Hotline at 1-888-782-8477.

• If you do not choose a different provider, your current electric utility will still deliver electricity until December 31, 2001. Beginning on January 1, 2002, you will receive your electric service from a Retail Electric Provider affiliated with your current electric utility.
  
• All electric providers must be certified by the PUCT before they can sell you electricity.
  
• Your electric service may not be switched without your permission. This is called "slamming," and it is illegal.
  
• The PUC will still regulate the delivery of electricity, and monitor the safety and reliability of your electric service.
  
• Providers are required to provide you with an "Electricity Facts Label," which gives you information on their prices, terms and conditions, generation sources and emissions rates.
  
• After you sign up with a Retail Electric Provider, a terms of service statement will be mailed to you regarding your switch. You have six days from the postmark date of this statement to cancel the contract if you change your mind.
  
• Your current electric utility will be including your name, address and usage information on a list of eligible customers that is made available to other electric providers. Your current electric utility will tell you how to keep this information from being shared with providers if you do not want to be included on the list.
  
• Retail Electric Providers may not discriminate based on income, race, color, sex or any other reason determined by law.
  
• If Retail Electric Provider stops supplying you with electricity for any reason, you will not lose your electric service.
  
• Customers have the right to review the terms and conditions of their contract and ask questions before finalizing their enrollment.
  
• Both cramming and slamming are illegal.